A Chabad House that opened just a month ago in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, experienced a tense and dangerous weekend as explosives and stones were hurled at the building. Israelis who came to the center for Shabbat meals were also harassed and threatened by local residents.
The violence unfolded against the backdrop of organized local opposition to the Jewish center. Over the weekend, area residents and Buddhist monks staged demonstrations outside the facility, calling for its shutdown. The protests have drawn regional attention and intensified tensions surrounding the Chabad House, which serves as a hub for Israelis and Jews visiting the coastal area.
In response to the incidents, Knesset member Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, sent an urgent letter to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar demanding immediate intervention with Sri Lankan authorities. Maoz warned that the situation could deteriorate further and pressed the Foreign Ministry to act without delay. "I request your urgent intervention with the authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure the safety of the Chabad emissaries and Israelis there, before there are, God forbid, casualties or property damage," he wrote.
In his letter, Maoz emphasized the critical role Chabad Houses play for Israelis and Jews worldwide. He noted that in locations without Israeli diplomatic representation, Chabad emissaries provide practical assistance and serve as a central address for Israeli travelers. "The State of Israel has an obligation to do everything in its power to assist Chabad emissaries, ensure their safety, and make certain they can continue their sacred and important work with complete security," Maoz stated.
